Mikel Arteta now explains why Arsenal made transfer ‘decision’ over 19-year-old

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Arsenal let several young talents leave in the January transfer window, including defender Lino Sousa, who made a surprise move to Aston Villa.

Fans were surprised that one of the brightest talents within the Hale End Academy was allowed to join a Premier League rival on a permanent deal, but despite appearing in several matchday squads, he was yet to make his official debut.

Sousa has impressed at left-back in the academy sides since joining from West Brom in 2022, and with Arsenal lacking depth in the position, a first-team debut was mooted.

However, he has now joined Unai Emery’s side, and subsequently moved to Championship side Plymouth Argyle on loan for the rest of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta explains why Arsenal sold Lino Sousa

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s huge clash with Liverpool, Mikel Arteta explained why the club let Sousa depart.

“It was a club decision and obviously he had a really particular situation with his contract,” he stated.

“There’s been a lot of talk about it and the club believe it was the best decision to do that and I supported that decision.”

Sousa had six months left to run on his deal before exiting, and perhaps Arteta’s comments indicate that he was unwilling to extend his deal.

Should Arsenal be worried about their other academy starlets?

It recently emerged that there is interest in winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who is also nearing the end of his contract.

Arteta has been criticised for his failure to give opportunities to some of his academy talent earlier in the season, and he hit back at the criticism as he explained the difficult scenario he faces when it comes to playing youth.

Arsenal’s academy has produced some excellent players over the years, and starlet Ethan Nwaneri extended his deal in the summer. However, if there is little pathway to the first-team, then Arsenal may have to worry about losing some of their best prospects unless they are able to agree terms on new deals and potential loan moves.

Sousa left Villa on loan as soon as he signed, and Arsenal may look back on the situation with some frustration. Their inability to tie him down to a new deal meant that he was set to leave for free, but in an ideal world, he would have extended with Arsenal before going on loan for more experience.